I have Seen Them Walking

Sustained, close together They walk down the road on bare feet Bare feet that wish to run like children again, Turned frail by the power of age I have seen them walking to And withdrawing from, As they acknowledge the missteps they've made I have seen them walking Over shed leaves and enervated roots I have seen them walking, Over roses planted where weeds grew I have seen them walking, Under appreciated sunsets and anticipated sunrises I have seen them walking, Under birds that soar too high, and worms that dig too deep I have seen them walking, Over planted seeds, planted from desire I have seen them walking, Under denuded trees, denuded from fire I have seen them walking, Leaving remedial footprints on the strange terrain That lies between vitality and apathy I have seen them walking, all very differently, but all in need of relief Relief which will make the walking seem less grief

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